A call for help Poway, CA's Twin Peaks Middle School area

Hi, everyone. I'm not usually in this forum since I live in Ohio, but I'm trying to help a friend and hope someone here might have some leads.

My friend Joan is a single mom with a 12-year-old son. She is a nurse and was injured on the job a few years back and has been unable to work. The good news is, she's finally had surgery approved by the insurance and will have it October 31. The bad news is, the roommate who's been sharing expenses in their apartment is moving out. This means she does not have enough income to stay there, plus she and her son will no longer have a car available for their use.

I am not seeking money for Joan - she isn't looking for it! What I am trying to do is help her find a new place to live. Her son is doing very well in school and she doesn't want to uproot him. She's looking for a place to live -- even a rental room to share with her son. It must be within walking distance of Twin Peaks Middle School so her son can continue to go there.

She is going to be recovering from major spine surgery during all of this. I can't stress to you enough that she is a decent, good person. Even though she's been living with debilitating pain, she's worked hard at building up a photography business and is no slacker. I will give you the address of her blog if you Dmail me.

This message was edited Oct 20, 2008 9:45 AM

Sorry, I don't know anything about that area.

Hi gardenwife. I'm in the same general area, but haven't a clue how to help. She might want to check Catholic Charities or Salvation Army, Jewish Family Services, etc., to see if they have placement services. They offer non-denominational help. A local church? HTH

Hi, guys, thanks. I know she's diligently looking. Please do let me know if you think of any other places, though! :)

gardenwife,
I've been thinking long and hard. I've asked friends, but no one lives in the immediate area.
Try all the churches, especially those nearest the Middle School. Then try the YWCA, might as well try the PTSA at her son's school too. In these tough financial times, maybe someone will be willing to rent her some space in their home. Another possibility may be local service clubs, like the Kiwanis Club, the Rotary Club, and the Knights of Columbus. Another avenue she might try is talking to the hospital social worker. They are usually very kind and caring people. Our family motto is, I never hurts to ask. I will continue to try to find someone who can help, and will pray for their needs to be granted. Thank you for letting us know.
WIB!
SW

Thank you, SW. I've sent her a copy of these posts.

Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with the area but I had a couple ideas. If the housing market is as bad there as it is here, it might not be a bad idea to talk to her current landlord and ask about reducing the rent for 6 months or about other payment options. It might make more sense for the landlord to reduce costs than have a vacant apartment.

Another idea is to see if any of the other resources listed above have someone in a similar situation that could use a good and decent person as a roommate. I know it's scary to have a stranger come and live with you, but it can work. I know an elderly lady, for instance, that lets a room in her house to a different doctor each year while they put in their time as a resident at the local hospital.

Good ideas GardenSox, thanks for sharing them. I'm still asking around, too.
WIB,
SW

I pass all your ideas along to Joan. Thanks for putting on your thinking caps! :)

Gardenwife - any news on your friend? Was she able to find a good place to call home for a while?

You know, she's been on my mind a lot lately too! Update please?
WIB,
SW

Awww, you guys, thanks for asking! Well, so far, she's been able to stay in her apartment. The roommate is still there. She's had a rough way to go physically following her surgery, but she's getting better. :) I need to ask her if she's good for a while, or if she's still looking for a place.

I live about a mile or so from the middle school. How is your friend doing? I might be able to help.

Memikl, that's great - thank you. So far, her roommate has not left, so she and her son are still in their apartment. With this roommate, that could change in short notice. If you'd like to contact Joanie, her blog has her e-mail address listed: http://dagoddess.com She's good people, and she's been so touched by the kind words I've relayed from DG members. :)